Weekend at the vineyard

&nbsp 2017-06-22 | nepaltraveller.com

Pataleban Vineyard Resort with its vineyard and winery is the perfect getaway from Kathmandu

There is something quaint and refreshing about getting away from the city and its hustle and bustle. Most of us normally go to Pokhara, Bandipur or Chitwan for a getaway. But there are places so close to the valley that are perfect for recharging your batteries over the weekend.

Just an hour’s drive from Kathmandu and just on the Prithivy Highway is Pataleban Vineyard Resort, a beautiful and peaceful place ideal for a relaxing getaway with your loved ones. The resort is currently being managed by Banyan Tree Nepal Pvt. Ltd., a newly established company whose shareholders have years of experience in the hospitality field. The Executive Director is Janapal Thapa who manges the resort which is home to Nepal’s first vineyard. Surrounded by lush green forest on 3 sides and offering a splendid view of the valley, Pataleban Vineyard Resort offers its guests a unique experience. Waking up to a panoramic view of the mountains is a great way to start your day.

The rooms are simple, spacious and provides a quiet comfort. As it’s located on a hilltop you’ll be refreshed by the fresh breeze that comes through the windows. The rooms are divided in to superior and deluxe categories and have most of the basic amenities required for a comfortable stay. For large families, there is also a 2 bedroom apartment that comes with a living room, kitchen and balcony to enjoy the splendid views.

The restaurant offers a variety of good homely food that ranges from local Nepali Thali to continental cuisine and most of the ingredients are produced on their own farm. The restaurant extends to a garden with a Japanese pear tree that offers a pleasant ambience to relax while sipping your morning tea or coffee. The Resort also has a business centre to serve its corporate clients which is ideal to host meetings, workshops and seminars. The conference hall is well equipped suiting all the needs of corporate clients and can accommodate up to 60 people.

It’s is highly recommended that you try their range of white, red and rose wines produced at their own winery within the resort. The vineyard was established in 2007 and has been producing natural wines. Kumar Karki who owns the vineyard personally looks after the operations and production. When asked about what gave him the idea to start a vineyard in Nepal, he said, “When you’ve learned to drink wine, it is better if you learn how to how make it. But jokes apart, after talking to a few winemakers in Japan, I decided to get some Japanese and French grape varieties and started this project.”

They produce around 4000 bottles per year which is expected to increase in the coming year. If you’re lucky, he’ll give you a tour of the cellars where you can try any of the wines you like. The grapes they produce are edible too and are offered to guests for breakfast.

The resort’s Kafal Chautari Beer Garden gives patrons the opportunity to cook their own BBQ and also has a bar that severs a range of beverages. The picnic spot in resort is also an alternative setting that provides all the basic necessities for a day out.

There are a host of activities that you can indulge in which includes village walks around the area with a guide learning about the local culture and lifestyle. Hiking up the Indradaha Hill will give an insight into the flora and fauna around here as well as provide a splendid view of the Himalayas with Lantang, Manaslu and other peaks.

You could also ride the cable car to Chandragiri Hills or visit Chitlang valley which is famous for organic farming and goat cheese. The nearby forested area is perfect for bird watching and has a lot of indigenous birds. In spring and autumn, you’ll be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the Himalayas right from their garden restaurant.

The one thing that will stay with you for a long time is the sunset from Pataleban. Watching the sun set over the tall hills while sipping a glass a wine is an experience that is peaceful and fulfilling. It is enough to help you recharge yourself for a busy week ahead.

Pataleban Vineyard Resort is beautiful and peaceful place with excellent service and food. A must visit place for those who enjoy being surrounded by nature; it’s the perfect place to lie back and enjoy the garden and natural setting or to get a little adventurous and walk the many forest trails nearby.

Pataleban Vineyard Resort is the kind of resort that entices you with its offering of a unique experience. So close to the city and yet so refreshing, it’s a place that you could get hooked to and keep coming back. And that won’t be only because of the amazing wine they produce and serve here.